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In the movie “The Rookie,” Dennis Quaid portrays a minor leaguer toiling toward his goal of pitching in the major leagues for the first time at age 35. At one point, he approaches a teammate and says, “You know what we get to do today, Brooks? We get to play baseball.”

You probably get a feeling like that when you’re sitting in at a Hindu fire ceremony or a Pentecostal praise service, or interviewing people about the beliefs that give their lives meaning and guidance, or portraying whistleblowers who challenge a religious organization by appealing to its own core values.

We get to write religion news.

I’ve been fortunate enough to do this for two decades for multiple news organizations in various states and countries.

But one constant for me has been the Religion Newswriters Association.

From my start in the mid-1990s, when the newsletter was actually printed on paper and mailed, to our wired present, RNA has been an invaluable network, linking me to people like you—those fortunate enough to be covering religion for the press, and who know how cool that is. Many of us are separated widely by geography, but RNA brings us together – both during the annual conference, when it presents panels on topics we need to know about on our beat and celebrates our achievements, and also throughout the year through online connections, ReligionLink and other means.

I’ve been privileged to participate in RNA these many years, and that includes offering financial support. Asking for money is awkward, but it’s easier when it’s for an organization that contributes so much to an important cause. Please consider a donation of any size by simply clicking the "Donate Now" button below.